Free-Range Living

Cooler weather indicated it was time to think about winter preparations here on the eco micro-holding in the UK midlands, which were then duly in hand, also involving the satisfying process of yearly maintenance tasks. Some produce is still there for the picking, including the last from the new soft fruit bed which has performed well, as have the winter veg. plants which look strong and healthy.

The mini orchard in the paddock has delivered quite a lot of fruit, notwithstanding the attentions of a largish burrowing animal,  currently preventing paddock access for the chickens. The 'made-out-of non-cost spare re-cycled materials' retreat, a singularly unique structure due to its ad hoc construction process serves admirably as a peaceful, well, retreat, to give peaceful times in the 'green oasis'. On the passing away recently of old Pipster collie dog, thoughts then turned to another collie from the past, a gorgeous bitch called Shay, an amazing dog that saved the bacon countless times with cattle in a farming situation.

Modern money-focused times may not yet produce the 'nirvana' scenario hoped for -some have found becoming wealthy to be a less full experience than expected, which could beg the question as to whether money can act as a 'veil', preventing sight of more meaningful lifestyles - ? There is concern here in the UK about mounting consumer debt, particularly for younger people, and moves are afoot at last to tighten up banking practices to try to recover lost trust, presumably once the essence of  the financial sector. Partial self-sufficiency, of which there's a reported large increase in interest, has helped here at the micro-holding to avoid those high interest rates charged on plastic borrowings.

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Mid-summer's the 'time of plenty' here on the organic eco micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK midlands, both in terms of avaiable produce and in terms of having a variety of small jobs to go at, a time of 'fecundity and abundance', as a result of earlier efforts.

After these efforts a break was in order, taken amongst the picturesque countryside of west Wales, and where a 'quality experience' and a restful time can be had. Nearly everywhere in this particular region has a backdrop of gorgeous green hills, which seem to add a comforting presence to the experience.

Motivation theorists used to point out that in terms of peoples' needs, the meeting of which should mean in theory that 'natural motivation' should be the norm, simplifying to the tune that 'it's all about money' would be too limiting, and that such a trend might have occurred due to a mis-reading of workplace attitudes. A net effect of the resulting control 'theory X' management styles could well have been low trust levels, and a de-focus on areas such as 'leadership' and 'motivation'.

Micro motivation is necessary here on the micro-hold-ing - well, it avoids the need for self-flagellation - and where to be fair, most activities bring satisfaction and some pleasure -----

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June is peak flowering time here in the UK, with flowers abounding both here in the micro-holding's cottage-style garden, and in some local fields.  Recent renovations have been in satisfactory 'making good' mode, ensuring the valued conservatory space is sound for another few years, and good to be able to employ local guys to do the work -community alive and well hereabouts.

The growing season has gone pretty well with good crops of beans, potatoes and spring greens, and useful looking follow-on crops such as peas, swedes and beetroot. Soft-fruit in the form of strawberries and raspberries have also done well, available to eat as 'afters' each night now for several weeks, boosting the ol' vitamin C intake, and adding to the many delicious tastes attributed to this fecund time of year. Amazing to some extent what a small area can produce, along with bolstering the freerange, independent spirit ------

People, especially apparently the younger generations, are kicking against the long UK austerity drive - apparently seven years long and still going - caused initially  reportedly by financial malpractice, which one conspiracy theory suggests may have been deliberate, as a means then of bringing in 'control' measures. It seems that as might be expected living standards for those 'under the cosh' are being squeezed, whilst it's perceived that a rich elite have not participated too much if at all in the pain. Hard to see, maybe, how the present government's declared aim of a 'fairer society' could be achieved without addressing this problem ---- ?

The micro-holding also acts as the 'green oasis' retreat, which may prove useful , in a seemingly volatile world, in the process of retaining sanity and common sense ----- ?

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With the season of sowing and planting taking place this spring, care and attention to the seedlings and their environment has been the order of the day, nurturing them to try to ensure they then make productive plants. Hoeing and weeding duties haven't been unduly heavy, with other measures too taking place. Some crops such as beetroot need a bit more 'care and attention' but with then the likelihood of a fuller crop.

Soft fruit production has been ok with useful further prospects, applying too to the fruit trees in the orchard with a bumper harvest, fingers crossed, in the making. A useful supply of free fuel (wood) has been obtained, all now stacked up drying and ready for the chainsaw come September time.  Two new chickens have settled well with the older remaining hen and all are laying well.

Although it's been reported that modern western-style cultures lead to 'isolationism' the positive help response of people in the recent UK terrorists attacks has shown that humanity has not thankfully extinguished in individuals and that in spite of any isolationist 'mass' culture, 'fellow feeling' is alive and well.

Some 'freerangers' seek out wild uninhabited places in which to live and practice self-determination and self-responsibility, often experiencing 'nature in the raw', and quite harsh conditions, gaining often too close relationships with their animals. One farming family worked to understand their animals more fully with surprising, to some, results.

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In spite of some cooler latter half of April weather, the crops here at the organic eco micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK midlands have progressed quite well, probably due to quite a bit of sunshine having been about. The 'wild bunch' hens have not fared so well with the fox having penetrated what was thought to be a watertight paddock. Stunning countryside has been the order of the day, particularly now that more bright yellow oil-seed rape is grown hereabouts.

Individuals still struggle with the 'on the make' modern business model, as an example illustrates. 'Hard-edged' commercial practice can appear to often be the norm, but maybe if tempered with humanity, business results could be boosted in the longer-term - ? Does 'hard-edged business practice then too impinge over time on those who practice it - ?

Ubiquitous 'free market' thinking appears to have had an impact in terms of relieving people from individual responsibilities and consequences of their actions, which might then impact on the degree of civilisation within a particular society - ? As 'true' free market conditions have not been maintained, a 'big beast' jungle appears to have developed with the 'small beasts' such as small firms and individuals becoming the 'prey', prompting politician's here in the UK now trying to ride to the rescue, but late in the day, no doubt some would say. Money having taken centre stage, there may be a question as to whether it's better as an 'means' rather than an 'end' - ?' One way of limiting the potential power of money is to operate within a fixed amount, so avoiding then the 'chasing the dollar' syndrome, whilst potentially boosting creativity in the process.

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A quick-change spring sprang here at the eco organic micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK midlands, bringing a suddenly colourful countryside panorama. Micro-holding crops have gone into the ground well and on time, with one currently cropping crop having to go onto temporary storage, to facilitate the planting of a micro-holding stalwart crop.

Various measure have been taken in an effort to support the wildlife, some of which, for example the bees, are key components of the growing system. All wildlife live freeranging style, employing unique 'survive and thrive' survival strategies, as did one animal which came to live at the micro-holding.

'Largist' modern life is reported to be having negative impacts on individuals, causing for instance rises in insecurity and in some cases real hardship, which the powerless individual likely finds hard to counter. The 'fast flow' of life and the rate of change, along with high degrees of commerciaism and media impact, are factors no doubt contributing to any difficulties individuals are experiencing in coping with modern western-style cultures, along with receiving relatively thin slices of 'the cake' - ?

Changes in cultural trends and mores have also probably influenced 'life as we know it', with social priorities possibly suffering in the 'age of self', begging the question as to whether better balance is needed in societies,  highlighting one that appears to be achieving said balance to good effect. Weighty considerations can, though, be counterbalanced by simple practical tasks ---- ?

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The yearly cycle starts again here at the eco organic micro-holding in the UK midlands, with 'hope springing eternal', and the woodash and compost going on the growing ground. The 'hit' leek crop is showing good signs of fight-back, and seed supplies have been obtained, with early crops going into the ground.

The main fuel, wood, is depleting, and it seems is not quite what it was thought to be, as shown by more precise assessment. Whilst it is a rewnewable fuel source, some problems have been reported concerning its use as a domestic fuel. Walking through woods in a nature reserve revealed spring to be around the corner, with various flowers on display, although some birds were finding it still hard going.

Recent internet research to do with 'higher consciousness' states for a new 'freerange' 'e' publication indicated a variety of access routes available and that modern 'western style' materialistically-based cultures might not be conducive to their delivery, although there is considerable activity in this area.

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Back in harness after the Xmas semi-hibernation period at the eco organic micro-holding (small smallholding) here in the UK heartlands, trying to 'endure' the mid-winter blues period.  Determining to tidy the place up a bit by degrees has helped ,with the newly-dug ground from 'green manuring' (digging in green vegetation) in particular raising spirits.

More maintenance work in the form of lopping has been the order of the day, which in turn will produce more fertiliser on the permaculture basis (permaculture is growing self-containedly, with both exhaustive crops and replenishing crops). The year's woodash and compost applications will shortly be made.

Seeds for the year have been ordered fom a long-standing mail order source offering big savings over buying seed from retail outlets, which are reportedly doing brisk business due to current and impending shortages of veg to buy from shops.

Wealth and wage inequalities appear to remain an issue in the UK, with the current Prime Minister calling for a fairer society, in spite of actions that seem to suggest otherwise. Insurance seeking revealed  'on the make' business models designed to relieve people of as much as possible , with four out of six insurance firms making questionable interest charges as part of their business practice. Consolation could appear shortly in the shape of a bluesplayer about to perform locally ------

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There'a currently a mid-winter feel about the place - the organic eco micro-holding here in the UK midlands - , which might be due to the fact that it is mid-winter ------ . The hungry birds get their feed every day, and the 'Houdini 'wild bunch' hens lay relentlessly away, thankfully now out of harm's way. An extra wood source usefully provided a further supply of free fuel, some of it for current use but most of it put in store to boost next year's supply. A new chainsaw augmented the wood cutting armoury well, equipping that side of things handily for the forseeable future.

A late pest attack on what was a good leek crop has wreaked its havoc, with chances of recovery perhaps slim. Winter veg is generally pretty good and hopefully will crop for the next period, untill the spring greens come on tap in March.

'E' mail blitz seems to be rampant in this day and age, getting to the poimt of becoming a nuisance - one of the effects of a highly commercalised culture. There doesn't at times to be that much awareness of the dangers of counter-productivity, with some firms seemingly sending a never-ending supply of 'e' messages. Maybe it's all part of the new 'make-believe', 'build-it-yourself' reality that seems to be in the making, although some - many? - might say straying from actual reality could yet prove to be a dangerous pastime  - ? Then again the unfashionable longer-term 'husbanding scarce resources' approach might need to be resurrected - ?

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'Geese gone' - their stay next to the mico-holding here in the UK midlands was temporary, to then move on to winter quarters. The mid-winter rest period of semi-hibernation has arrived - time for rest and 'navel contemplation'. One piece in the weekend broadsheet paper bemoaned the fact that politicians, et al. seemed to be on a crusade to make older people do work. 'If they want to sit and do 'b----r all', why not, they've earn't the right', said the writer. Winter landscapes are now the order of the day, and good to see , with the many trees hereabouts looking particularly good.

Recent events don't appear to bode particularly well for planet conservation, and maybe more 'down-to-earth' awareness could be needed, as folks in olden days knew - ? Heavy material levels of consumption may not be long-term sustainable, so economic or frugal, even, living styles might yet be useful, and beneficial at the individual level. People may feel that at the micro individual level, any contribution they might make might be too insignificant, but if more than a few act ------ and of course, why should it not be meaningfull and significant at the individual level - ?

Having and retaining individual values may be important to act as 'anchors' for people against the 'fast flow' of mainstream commercially-focused cultures - it's what's lead 'downsizers', for instance, to give up 'buck chasing', to then adopt more multi-dimensional lifestyles, and/or more 'basic living' lifestyles, which reminds - better get that wood chopped up ----

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